David F. Binotti, Respected High School Controller

The south suburbs lost a "teacher to us all and a friend to all" with the death of Consolidated High School District 230 controller David F. Binotti, said District Supt. Timothy Brown.

Mr. Binotti, a 21-year resident of Frankfort, Ill., began his career teaching business and accounting at Oak Lawn High School before serving for 17 years as controller for District 230.

Mr. Binotti, 51, died Saturday of cancer.

"He had a reputation throughout the state for being an extremely forward-thinking school business official," said Brown, who worked with Mr. Binotti throughout the controller's career. Co-workers thought of Mr. Binotti as "the eternal optimist" for his manner of dealing with problems and conflicts, Brown said.

"He was an outstanding teacher . . . and he was tremendously gifted with numbers," said Jim Sibley, District 230 director of communications who worked with Mr. Binotti for 10 years. "This position was a perfect mix for his talents."

"I think there's going to be a big hole in people's lives," said Jo Ann, Mr. Binotti's wife of 29 years. "He loved people and he could light up a room."

Mr. Binotti's interest in education went far beyond budgets. "He was always studying and learning something," Mrs. Binotti said. He greatly admired Thomas Jefferson and had worked as a guide for Frank Lloyd Wright tours. A music lover, Mr. Binotti enjoyed playing the guitar. He and his wife frequently attended jazz concerts together.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Binotti is survived by two daughters, Marla and Melissa; his parents, Louis and Betty Binotti; a sister, Barbara Miller; and a brother, William.

Funeral services will be at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Robert J. Sheehy and Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st St., Orland Park, followed by a 10 a.m. mass in St. Anthony Church, 7659 W. Sauk Trail, Frankfort.